Saturday, April 26, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
Campaign Questions
How have your personal and professional experiences prepared you for public office?
I’m a lifelong resident of Northampton County and grew up on a family-owned dairy farm in Plainfield Township. My husband of 45 years and I raised our daughters here and have a long history of involvement in our community, such as, working in the kitchen at the Plainfield Farmer’s Fair, teaching youth groups, and Sunday School classes.
I have served as an elected official and as an employee in municipal government for over thirty years. This has given me firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations and challenges that face elected officials and administrators. I worked as a municipal Secretary/Treasurer and various other capacities. During that time, I balanced budgets, was involved in building and recreation projects, dealt with employee issues, contracts, road projects, grants, subdivisions and all other areas of administration.
My experience in Plainfield Township started in 1986 as a volunteer implementing a recycling program and Township newsletter. I then served as an elected Supervisor starting in 1989. As an active Township Supervisor I helped acquire land adjacent to Achenbach’s Grove, home of the Plainfield Farmers Fair, to preserve for future generations, worked to bring the Grand Central landfill into zoning compliance, was involved in the rails to trails project, worked on a five year plan which included increasing police services to provide 24 hour protection, and held taxes stable. I held positions on many committees and was involved in a Joint Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Preservation Plan, and Long-Range Planning. I developed regional experience through my past volunteer service as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Slate Belt Municipalities Association which is now a Council of Governments.
What is the most critical issue facing Plainfield Township?
Right now, a critical issue for the residents near the WM/GCSL landfill is the uncertainty of whether the current Board and the candidates running will rezone for another Solid Waste Processing and Disposal District. This has been very stressful for many of the residents near the area. There are several other critical issues facing the Township. The Board voted in a 2-mill tax increase for 2025. In reviewing the budget, the increase should not have been necessary. The Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated, the Township needs to have a more positive vision for the future, Economic Development needs to be addressed, etc.
If elected, what would you do to keep property taxes in check?
I would work with the administration to review all areas of spending. Work toward a a five year financial plan and long range planning. The Township should go back to having a Finance Committee.
If elected to the Township, how would you address fighting along party lines?
The residents cast their votes in good faith believing elected officials will focus on the job at hand and work in their best interest. All members must keep that in mind and work together.
Did you attend Township meetings before you considered running? Why or why not?
Yes, I attended the Board of Supervisors meetings and Planning Commission meetings before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision and keep up on the issues facing the municipality.
I’m a lifelong resident of Northampton County and grew up on a family-owned dairy farm in Plainfield Township. My husband of 45 years and I raised our daughters here and have a long history of involvement in our community, such as, working in the kitchen at the Plainfield Farmer’s Fair, teaching youth groups, and Sunday School classes.
I have served as an elected official and as an employee in municipal government for over thirty years. This has given me firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations and challenges that face elected officials and administrators. I worked as a municipal Secretary/Treasurer and various other capacities. During that time, I balanced budgets, was involved in building and recreation projects, dealt with employee issues, contracts, road projects, grants, subdivisions and all other areas of administration.
My experience in Plainfield Township started in 1986 as a volunteer implementing a recycling program and Township newsletter. I then served as an elected Supervisor starting in 1989. As an active Township Supervisor I helped acquire land adjacent to Achenbach’s Grove, home of the Plainfield Farmers Fair, to preserve for future generations, worked to bring the Grand Central landfill into zoning compliance, was involved in the rails to trails project, worked on a five year plan which included increasing police services to provide 24 hour protection, and held taxes stable. I held positions on many committees and was involved in a Joint Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Preservation Plan, and Long-Range Planning. I developed regional experience through my past volunteer service as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Slate Belt Municipalities Association which is now a Council of Governments.
What is the most critical issue facing Plainfield Township?
Right now, a critical issue for the residents near the WM/GCSL landfill is the uncertainty of whether the current Board and the candidates running will rezone for another Solid Waste Processing and Disposal District. This has been very stressful for many of the residents near the area. There are several other critical issues facing the Township. The Board voted in a 2-mill tax increase for 2025. In reviewing the budget, the increase should not have been necessary. The Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated, the Township needs to have a more positive vision for the future, Economic Development needs to be addressed, etc.
If elected, what would you do to keep property taxes in check?
I would work with the administration to review all areas of spending. Work toward a a five year financial plan and long range planning. The Township should go back to having a Finance Committee.
If elected to the Township, how would you address fighting along party lines?
The residents cast their votes in good faith believing elected officials will focus on the job at hand and work in their best interest. All members must keep that in mind and work together.
Did you attend Township meetings before you considered running? Why or why not?
Yes, I attended the Board of Supervisors meetings and Planning Commission meetings before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision and keep up on the issues facing the municipality.
Municipal Government Experience
1986
Started the Plainfield Township Newsletter and Volunteer Recycling Program
1987-1993
Served on the Plainfield Township Solid Waste Committee
Started the Plainfield Township Newsletter and Volunteer Recycling Program
1987-1993
Served on the Plainfield Township Solid Waste Committee
In 1988 the Comp Plan Supplement was completed, and the Solid Waste Zoning District was adopted. The district is approximately 311 acres, and the current landfill is reaching capacity in the next several years.
1989-1993
Plainfield Township
Supervisor and Treasurer
Chairperson of the Finance Committee
Long Range Planning Committee (and in the years 2005-2006)
Solid Waste Committee
Recreation Board Liaison
Plainfield Recreation Trail Project - Rails to Trails
Slate Belt Municipalities Association Secretary/Treasurer
Regional Police Study Committee with the SBMA
1989-1993
Plainfield Township
Supervisor and Treasurer
Chairperson of the Finance Committee
Long Range Planning Committee (and in the years 2005-2006)
Solid Waste Committee
Recreation Board Liaison
Plainfield Recreation Trail Project - Rails to Trails
Slate Belt Municipalities Association Secretary/Treasurer
Regional Police Study Committee with the SBMA
Act 537 Update 1990
1994-2000
Alternate on the Plainfield Township Zoning Hearing Board
2000-2003 and 2012-2023
Plainfield Township Supervisor
Plainfield Twp, Pen Argyl, & Wind Gap Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee 2001-2003
1994-2000
Alternate on the Plainfield Township Zoning Hearing Board
2000-2003 and 2012-2023
Plainfield Township Supervisor
Plainfield Twp, Pen Argyl, & Wind Gap Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee 2001-2003
Plan Slate Belt 2022-2023 (the current Board withdrew, and it was not adopted)
Act 537 Plan Update Review Committee 2020-2022
2012 Plainfield Township 250th Anniversary - Coordinated the art contest to develop the Township Logo, Tree Lighting, Sign design, and Celebration
2012-2014 Regional Police Study and on team to hire a Chief, review Charter Agreement, contract, etc.
2015-2023 Slate Belt Regional Police Commission
2014 - February -July Interim Borough Manager for Bangor
1994-2004
Washington Township
Secretary/Treasurer
Subdivision Administrator 1994-1995
Co Subdivision Administrator
Planning Commission Secretary 1994 -1995
2007-2023
Plainfield Township Open Space/Farmland Preservation Committee
Plainfield Township Environmental Advisory Council
4/89 - 5/23
1994-2004
Washington Township
Secretary/Treasurer
Subdivision Administrator 1994-1995
Co Subdivision Administrator
Planning Commission Secretary 1994 -1995
2007-2023
Plainfield Township Open Space/Farmland Preservation Committee
Plainfield Township Environmental Advisory Council
4/89 - 5/23
Yearly seminars on labor laws, negotiations, current law updates at PSATS
Certificate of Management from Northampton Community College Center for Business and Industry
Dept of Community and Economic Development Training
Basic Budget Preparation
Lincoln on Leadership
Municipal Accounting
PA Recycling Act
Financing Capital Projects
The Courage to Lead
Effective Budgeting
Fundamentals of Leadership
Subdivision Administration
Dealing with Difficult Employees
Tax Collection and Tax Procedures
Conflict Management
Pensions and Liquid Fuels
Dealing with the Public
Secretarial Administration
QuickBooks Pro
Posted by Jane Mellert
Dept of Community and Economic Development Training
Basic Budget Preparation
Lincoln on Leadership
Municipal Accounting
PA Recycling Act
Financing Capital Projects
The Courage to Lead
Effective Budgeting
Fundamentals of Leadership
Subdivision Administration
Dealing with Difficult Employees
Tax Collection and Tax Procedures
Conflict Management
Pensions and Liquid Fuels
Dealing with the Public
Secretarial Administration
QuickBooks Pro
Posted by Jane Mellert
I'm running for Supervisor because the residents matter......
In July of 2020 the Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors voted against re-zoning land East of Pen Argyl Road from Farm and Forest to create a new Solid Waste Zoning District requested by WM/GCSL. I was on the Board at that time and made the motion. The Board is under no obligation to rezone the land. The Township has already provided for the use. In September of 2024 a new proposal with the same request was submitted. Although the Plainfield Township Planning Commission reviewed the plan and recommended the Board not rezone the area at the April 24, 2025 Board meeting Ken Field made a motion and Jonathan Itterly seconded to hire a planning agency with no knowledge of the Township history to conduct another review. Nolan Kemmerer and Ken Fairchild voted for the hire and Glenn Borger voted no. What will the current Board do? The Planning Commission brought up many relevant issues. It appears the Board may be delaying the vote until after the primary election.
I have asked for a candidate's night or a debate. One of the candidates stated he doesn't have time. Voters need to know what candidates stand for. In local elections major issues such as rezoning over 211+ acres near residential areas for waste disposal has a huge impact on people living there. The resident's matter.
It is time to move toward a vision of a Township that survives and thrives after the landfill closes in approximately 3 plus years. The children and residents deserve a future that doesn't rely on mountains of waste.
I believe in .................................
- Public service and open government- Planning Financially to limit real estate tax increases
- In having a Township Finance Committee to conduct reviews
- Long Range Planning Committee to assist the Board with reviews
- Preserving valuable resources for future generations
- Respect for emergency services
- In 5-7 year, Township Road improvement planning
- Preserving valuable resources for future generations
- Respect for emergency services
- In 5-7 year, Township Road improvement planning
- A common sense approach to government
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Jane Mellert for Plainfield Township Supervisor
Common Sense ~ Good Government www.janemellert.blogspot.com
I have been involved in Municipal Government since 1986 serving first as a volunteer and then an elected Township Supervisor. I’m on the ballot for the May 20, 2025, primary election running as a republican candidate for Plainfield Township Supervisor.
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